Cebu Trail Blazers Master Trail Scout

There are a lot of mountain bikers in Cebu, but there are some who just exude that positive vibe, with a hunger for trail scouting combo. Meet bai Arnel, one of the godfathers of the group Cebu Trail Blazers. They are a fairly new group but, these bike maniacs have gained notariety by just being very proactive in trail scouting, especially with Arnel as one of their lead scouts. When I first rode with them, I was amazed to be lead to trails, I've never even heard of, near my own back yard. Arnel is a very down to earth guy, despite having such sweet rides. He's also a very lucky guy, with a wife who supports his MTB hobby, and now shares that hobby with him. Truly, I have a lot more great things to say about this guy, but I'd like you guys to discover for yourselves, by joining one of their planned rides. So without further ado, I introduce to you CTB Master Trail Scout Arnel.
Name: Arneil Catralaba
Call sign: Centax Error
Age: Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind it doesn’t matter.
Profession: Trail Planner. Message me for discount (I know he's kidding since he does furniture designs)
How long have you been riding and since when did you start?
I bought my first mountain bike on May 2012 and I’ve been mountain biking with Cebu Trailblazers ever since.

Before mountain biking, what were you into?
I had a real daytime job!  But seriously, I was never active physically until I weighed 98 kg. I spent most of my time in front of a PC, playing online games or overclocking my computer until something’s starts to burn.

How did you get into mountain biking?
It comes to a point that if I don’t start doing physical activities, I will need to take medications to lower my hypertension. I did the math and a year worth of medicine I can buy a decent What is it in mountain biking that you really like?
I like the freedom, adventure, and the endless search for more trails. I love the reward when I share new trails to CTB friends and smiles are plastered on their faces after the ride.

What is your favorite mountain biking discipline?
That would be cross country and trail. Each time I organize a CTB group ride I will integrate 2 different disciplines in a course to make the ride more strenuous but without losing much of the fun factor.

Do you join competitions? If yes proceed to next question, if no, why Not?
I rarely join races but when I do, I make sure there’s Idols in the menu

Since you mainly compete in (XC/Enduro) formats, what motivates you to compete or what is the reason behind competing?
I have competed three times since I started biking - once in XC and twice in Enduro. We don’t get to have Enduro races here very often, so I sign up to demonstrate my support to the organizers.

What is your mountain bike set-up?
XC – Salsa El Mariachi Ti 29’er
Trail – Salsa Horsethief XX1 29’er

Where do you usually ride your bike?
I ride mostly in Talamban and Consolacion because of the close proximity to where I live. On a side note, there are significant XC and Trail courses in these localities that are definitely worth checking out.

10 years from now, how do you envision yourself as a Mountainbiker?
10 years from now I will still be competing in Idols category that’s for sure!
In 10 years, I hope more new generation of mountain bike groups will advance in Municipalities outside Cebu City. These groups will explore their mountains for technical courses. Can you imagine how many trails will be located by then? How about monthly AM races alternating from town to town? I wish I’m still mountain biking with this really happens.

What would you like to share to newbies or to those who are contemplating of going into mountain biking as a sport or hobby?
Cebu is more fun from a mountain biker’s perspective. There are various local mountain biking groups that practices different disciplines. Reach out and ride with them to experience what style fits you. Once you realize what you want, team up with the group. It’s the quickest way to hone your biking skills.

Tell us an interesting fact about you:
Sorry I can’t reveal them here because my sponsors will not allow it Just kidding but besides that, I have a very beautiful wife that supports my biking addiction 101%! Not only does she support me but she joins me as well. Now, we both bike together and spend our weekends all over Cebu seeking for new trails and meeting new friends that shares the same interest.